Centreville Day Plans Are in the Works

"Come Home to Centreville" for the 15th Annual Centreville Day celebration, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006. The fun includes a parade and a bevy of activities in Centreville's Historic District.

Volunteers are invited to join in the planning by attending meetings of the Centreville Day Planning Committee, the third Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m., at the Long & Foster office in Centreville.

The Centreville Community Foundation (CCF), which puts on the event, is seeking businesses, crafters, nonprofits and various vendors to participate. And now is the time to apply for booth space.

Local homeowners associations are invited to show their hometown pride and enter a float in the parade. The event is also a way for sponsors to give back to the area that supports them with its business. Proceeds go to the CCF, which provides high-school scholarships and supports local nonprofits.

Contacts, information, online registration and forms are available at www.CentrevilleDay.com. Event Coordinator is Maryanne Toal, 703 966-1719, or MaryanneToal@hotmail.com. Marvin Powell, chairman of CCF's board of directors, may be reached at 703-201-4267 or marvpow@aol.com. Below is a list of the volunteer positions still needing to be filled:

* Layout — Someone to produce a to-scale map of the event, preferably using appropriate computer software, to obtain the necessary permits. Will need to attend meetings to discuss layout, update any changes. Work at home to produce layout. (CCF doesn't own the appropriate software; great opportunity for an architectural firm to donate this work as an in-kind sponsor).

* Entertainment Coordinators — The entertainers are beginning to sign up, but a team is needed to reach out and find more, plus coordinate two stages, including overseeing sound-system technicians. At least two people would work 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Centreville Day. Attend planning meetings, work at home to contact local entertainers — especially those representative of Centreville's cultural diversity.

* Sound System Technicians — Need at least two audio technicians, preferably four to six, to operate Showmobile and stage-sound systems on Centreville Day. The time is 10 a.m.-6 p.m., but shifts may be set up if there are enough technically savvy volunteers. Will probably need to attend pre-event volunteers meeting.

* Volunteer Coordinator — A dedicated and caring person (or a team of two people comfortable working together) to be available all day, Saturday, Sept. 16, to oversee day-of volunteers. Attend planning meetings before event and pre-event volunteers meeting.

* Public Relations — Write press releases, distribute flyers and posters, spread the word about Centreville Day. Attend planning meetings, work at home and do some local driving to place materials.

* Parade — The American Legion coordinates the parade; this year, Steve Hunter geoshunter@aol.com) is the man in charge. Need people available from 8-11 a.m. to help with parade set-up and take-down and to wrangle marchers and politicians.

* Information Booth and Children's Zone ticket sales — Need at least six people, but the more hands, the lighter the work. Great opportunity for busy seniors and anyone else who doesn't mind volunteering an hour or two to sell tickets or hand out brochures and answer questions. Can be seated. Centreville Day, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Attend pre-event volunteers meeting.

* Roaming Ambassadors — Need minimum of three people to walk the fairgrounds and aid the bewildered, hungry, lost and those in search of restrooms. Great opportunity for seniors, older scouts and outgoing personalities in comfortable shoes. Three people needed all day on Centreville Day, but nine or more may organize 2-1/2-hour shifts. Attend pre-event volunteers meeting.

* Set-up and take-down helpers — Two groups, 7-11 a.m., to help with set-up, and from 6-8 p.m. with clean-up. Need at least three people for each team. Will need to attend pre-event volunteers' meeting.

* Religious Organizations — Be ecumenical, reach out to Centreville places of worship and coordinate their participation in Centreville Day. Attend planning meetings, spend time at home making contacts, possibly setting up outside home meetings

* Centreville Museum — The first Centreville Civil War Trails sign will be unveiled. Volunteers are need during an old-fashioned, historical pageant and dinner, plus interpreters for the Historic District attractions. Contact DeBragga or Repetti for more information and a complete list of needs.